Penn State Predictions: Time to bounce back

By Chris Morelli on November 03, 2017

There’s a Big Sean song that says “last night I took an L, but tonight I bounce back.” The Nittany Lions have to do just that this week. Last week, the No. 7 Lions lost a heartbreaker, 39-38, at The Horseshoe. Now, it’s time to rebound. Penn State cannot have another slip up if they are to have any chance at the College Football Playoff.

Saturday’s game is a noon kick against Sparty in East Lansing, Mich. Will the Lions bounce back? Or was last week the beginning of the end?

Here’s what our staff had to say:

Matt Lingerman, sports intern (season record 8-0): Ohio State may ripped the hearts out of Nittany Lion fans last week, but the season is far from over. James Franklin understands that if a few things go his way, Penn State can still be a participant in the CFP. For that reason, expect the No. 7 Lions to roll in East Lansing on Saturday against a Michigan State team that looked uninspired in its loss to a bad Northwestern team. Penn State is still a good team, and good teams win in situations like these.

Penn State 34, Michigan State 17.

Chris Morelli, managing editor (weason record 8-0): All of a sudden, Sparty becomes the biggest game of the year for the Nittany Lions. There can be no more mistakes, no more speed bumps. Look for Penn State to get back on track. There may be a slow start due to the hangover from last week, but Saquon Barkley will have a huge afternoon and the defense will do the rest.

Penn State 34, Michigan State 21.

John Patishnock, beat writer (season record 8-0): The Nittany Lions need will avoid a letdown. Penn State has allowed only three points in the first quarter all season, and the Spartans have given up a combined 77 points in their two losses. If Penn State gets off to the same start as last week, that should give them enough clearance for the rest of the game.

Penn State 38, Michigan State 21.

Michael Kresovich, sports intern (season record 7-1): The Nittany Lions are coming off their first loss of the season and are looking to stay in contention for a spot in the College Football playoffs. The first rankings came out this week and had the Nittany Lions at No. 7. Michigan State already has two losses this season, coming from Northwestern and Notre Dame. Penn State will look to bounce back and light up the scoreboard this weekend. It’s all about points in terms of making the four team playoff. Penn State will roll through Sparty. Expect the offensive line to step up its game after battling a very talented Buckeye front.

Penn State 40, Michigan State 10.

Abbi Sales, sports intern (season record 7-1): After a heartbreaking loss to Ohio State last weekend, the Nittany Lions are shifted into full gear, leaving the loss behind them and powering through the rest of the season, treating every game like “Akron, Akron, Akron, Akron.” To have a shot at the College Football Playoffs, Penn State must continue to win but will need some help from surrounding matchups.